Three Sixty Design is Awarded M/WBE/DBE Certification

Landscape architecture firm also selected for As-Needed Services for the Office of the State Architect

Denver, Colo. (PRWEB) July 20, 2009

Three Sixty Design, a Denver landscape architecture firm specializing in site planning and sustainable and urban design, has received Minority/Women and/or Disadvantaged Business (M/WBE/DBE) certification. In addition to the certification, Three Sixty Design was designated as an As-Needed Services firm for the Office of the State of Architect.

Currently, only eight landscape architecture firms in Colorado are designated with a W/S/DBE certification, and "only a few of those have the experience and capacity to do larger public or development projects," Courtney McRickard, Three Sixty Design principal, said. "Although the economy has hit many architecture and landscape architecture firms, it has actually been beneficial for us. We are now in the position to compete against the larger firms while still providing cost effective design services."

Public projects are more competitive than ever, and the certification and designation gives Three Sixty Design a competitive edge. "You may be able to get one project because of the certification, but you still have to perform at a high level," McRickard said.

Denver's Office of Economic Development reinstated the certification to help businesses compete for government contract opportunities and help small businesses grow and increase their revenues. The City of Denver assigns Minority/Women and/or Disadvantaged Business (M/WBE/DBE) goals to each construction project and has a Defined Selection Pool for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) projects. Larger contractors or consultants that bid on the city's construction projects meet the M/WBE/DBE goal by partnering with firms certified as a Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by OED's Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO).

Only firms certified as a M/WBE, SBE or DBE business count in meeting each contract goal. A business may be certified for SMWDBE to compete in each program.

The As-Needed architectural Services designation will help Three Sixty Design continue to stay healthy through a tough economy. Public monies provided through bond issues such as the Denver Better Bonds program and federal stimulus money will most likely be a strong sector in Three Sixty Design's portfolio over the next few years.

"There has been a huge paradigm shift in the structure of design firms with budget cuts, staff reductions and a decline to certain sectors, such as retail and residential development," McRickard said. "Forging new relationships is a high priority. We are focused on identifying new sectors to excel and creating new business relationships."

About Three Sixty Design
Three Sixty Design is a landscape architecture firm that specializes in site-driven design. Working in collaboration with architects, developers, contractors and clients, Three Sixty Design creates exceptional outdoor spaces ranging from private residences to edgy commercial projects. Sustainability is the core principle that drives Three Sixty Design to achieve a balance between art, architecture and the environment. For more information, call 303.534.0325 or visit http://www.sitedrivendesign.com